Located in Durango, CO, Colorado Timberline Academy is a non-traditional college preparatory, coeducational school for grades 9-12. The school is twelve miles north of Durango in the Animas Valley, with the Animas River on the east. They are also close to the Four Corners area, making learning and recreation a unique opportunity. This area includes Navajo and Ute Indian Reservations, the Canyonlands of Utah and the Grand Canyon. Fort Lewis College is close to the campus and students often use the college library, educational programs and entertainment. Located thirteen miles to the north is the San Juan National Forest, and southwestern Colorado’s larges ski resort. The students are able to purchase season ski passes and the school will make regular tips to the ski area.

The cabins of the “El Rancho Encantado” house two to three students with faculty cabins intermingled, making it feel like a neighborhood. The housing facilities have grown to include a six person solar-heated dwelling and a duplex to house four students at a time. There is also a duplex with two apartment units for the faculty members. The lodge now functions as a classroom, office, kitchen and dining room. Colorado Timberline Academy also has a soccer field, Frisbee golf course, and outdoor basketball court. The campus is on fifty-three acres and in the past was a dude ranch. The founders have made an effort to preserve the rustic appearance of the buildings that is why they have a variety of log cabins.

Colorado Timberline Academy is dedicated to helping the students who have experienced difficulties in their previous high school. To prepare the students academically and socially is the mission at the Academy. The diverse outdoor programs and curriculum give the students the skills to learn to be responsible, creative and to learn respect for self, their environment and each other. The Academy can help students who are capable and often creative but have struggled to realize and recognize their potential. Colorado Timberline Academy can help those students who would enjoy an outdoor experience and students who are capable to do well in school but lack the motivation. Colorado Timberline is not an environment like the therapeutic or rehab programs. If your child is lacking success in your public school or having behavioral issues at home, then Colorado Timberline Academy could be considered an option to help your child.

Colorado Timberline Academy have available many trips and excursions. They take a five day backpacking journey in the San Juan Mountains and rock climbing at the Joshua Tree National Monument. Other trips would include, going to the desert of southern Utah and experiencing the beauty and quietness, rafting down the San Juan River, whale-watching off the Oregon Coast, biking in southern Utah and house boating on Lake Powell. They can also go backpacking to Havasu Canyon in Arizona.

Grade: 9-12

Student cap 50

Class size: n/a

Tuition: $27,500

Stud/Staff 1:5

Sex: co-ed

Extra Info: If you are looking for a small school, Colorado Timberline Academy is it.